Geographical information systems officer

GIS systems are computerised systems used to capture, store, analyse, manipulate and present a range of complex geographical and spatial data. Data can come in a range of formats including cartographic, photographic, digital (for example from satellites and drones) and remote sensing, or in tables and spreadsheets.

Using GIS technology, you'll overlay all these types of data into one map, manipulating it so that all the sources have the same scales and coordinate systems allowing complex readings to be taken from the map.

Job titles vary and can include GIS analyst or technician, GIS consultant, GIS data manager, GIS developer or spatial data scientist, or remote sensing analyst.

Types of information captured with GIS technology

GIS technology can use any information that includes a location, allowing you to compare and contrast a range of information, including:

• the location of rivers, roads or power lines
• the position of streets and buildings
• information about soil type and vegetation
• data on people, population distribution, education and income.

By studying this information using a range of specialist computer applications, you'll analyse patterns and better understand relationships and the implications of proposed developments and changes.

This data is increasingly used across a range of industries, from climate change monitoring, urban planning and public health to transport planning, location-based services and environmental conservation. It also plays a key role in sectors such as construction, telecommunications, energy, retail, meteorology and space science.

Responsibilities

As a GIS officer, you'll need to:

• work on projects, scoping out the nature and purpose of the information required by clients
• capture, store, analyse and present geographical and spatial information
• use a range of GPS tools in the field to capture the location of 'assets' such as bridges, street lights, road barriers and flood defences
• undertake desk-based data capture (digitising) to convert paper maps to GIS datasets, although this is increasingly replaced by digital and automated data sources
• create and maintain the structures necessary for GIS data storage
• develop tools for loading and transferring GIS data between different systems
• manipulate, analyse and present geographical information, often using scripting or automation tools
• develop web-based and cloud-hosted apps to present GIS data and tools on corporate websites
• develop internet apps to present GIS data and tools on corporate websites
• analyse data to map changes in terrain, flood risks and weather patterns
• use tools to combine different GIS datasets and create new information or investigate patterns, for example estimating the number of people affected by flooding, forecasting demand for school places or analysing customer catchment areas.

Salary

• GIS graduates, often starting in a technician role, typically earn between £24,000 and £30,000.
• With experience, at GIS analyst or GIS specialist level, you can earn £35,000 to £45,000.
• Senior or specialist roles, including project management and technical leadership, can earn £50,000 or more.

Salaries vary depending on your qualifications and experience, location and the sector you work in.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

A typical working day is usually 9am to 5pm, although you may need to work extra hours to meet project deadlines. Field work may involve long and irregular hours.

Many roles offer remote and hybrid working, particularly for desk-based analysis and development work.

What to expect

• At a junior level, you're likely to take on detailed, desk-based work, building technical skills and learning how GIS supports real-world decision-making, while liaising with colleagues and external contacts.
• Some roles involve significant amounts of fieldwork for data capture or data validation.
• Travel within a working day depends on the amount of client and stakeholder liaison work you have, and occasional overnight stays may be required.
• With experience, you may manage multidisciplinary teams, where members have very different skills and experience.
• There are some opportunities to take on overseas contracts, once you've gained enough experience, particularly in the private and consultancy sectors.

Qualifications

The most common route into the profession is with a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:

• computer science
• environmental science or sustainability
• geographical information systems
• geography
• maths or statistics
• software engineering
• surveying
• urban planning.

Applicants with extensive relevant work-based experience may also be accepted.

It may be helpful to have some knowledge or experience of the sector you're applying to, such as civil engineering, conservation or healthcare. Entry requirements vary between employers, so always check job adverts carefully.

Introductory and short courses can help you develop GIS skills alongside your degree, particularly if your course only includes limited GIS content. See The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) for a list of relevant courses.

Employers may favour candidates with a relevant postgraduate qualification, especially for specialist or senior roles, although this is not essential for entry-level jobs.

Search postgraduate courses in GIS.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• strong written and verbal communication skills
• IT skills, including working with databases and spreadsheets
• experience of GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS
• numerical skills and confidence with data and statistics
• the ability to translate user or client requirements into practical solutions
• presentation and data visualisation skills
• project management and organisational skills
• self-motivation and attention to detail
• attention to detail
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• the capacity to work well under pressure

Knowledge of programming or scripting languages such as Python, SQL or JavaScript is increasingly valuable.

Work experience

Competition for GIS roles can be intense, so relevant work experience can give you a real advantage. Placements, internships, summer work, volunteering and student projects using real datasets are all useful.

Approach local councils, environmental organisations or charities to ask about volunteering opportunities or job shadowing.

Student membership of professional bodies such as the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) can give you access to events, careers talks and networking opportunities.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

GIS officers work across the public, private and voluntary sectors, for a range of organisations that need to understand physical, environmental or social data.

Typical employers include:

• government departments and local authorities
• research organisations
• utility companies
• architecture, construction and engineering firms
• telecommunications companies
• retail and financial services organisations
• environmental consultancies
• insurance or risk management companies
• emergency services and defence organisations
• market research and advertising agencies
• healthcare providers
• non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• space and satellite organisations.

You can also work for a GIS consultancy, which may specialise in areas such as environmental management, utilities, transport, defence or property.

Look for job vacancies at:

• AGI Find a Job
• GIS-JOBS.co.uk
• LG Jobs - for jobs with local authorities
• Jobs.ac.uk - for research and lecturing jobs in higher education
• RGS-IBG Finding Jobs in Geography
• Environment Job

You can also find vacancies on LinkedIn.

Recruitment agencies such as Penguin Recruitment, Open Spaces and Kinect specialise in GIS jobs.

Professional development

Most training takes place on the job, with additional learning through short courses, software training and professional development activities.

Membership of professional bodies such as The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) can support your development through CPD schemes, events and mentoring opportunities.

With enough experience, you may be eligible to apply for Chartered Geographer accreditation.

Career prospects

There is no single career path in GIS, and progression often depends on your interests and technical strengths. You may move into roles such as senior analyst, technical specialist, team leader, project manager or GIS manager.

You could choose to specialise in areas such as:

• web and application development
• data and information management
• spatial analysis and modelling
• consultancy and client-facing work.

There are also opportunities to move into research, teaching or higher education, or to work freelance or set up your own consultancy once you have built up experience.